Sage Turkey Meatballs Pumpkin (Printable Version)

Tender turkey meatballs paired with creamy pumpkin orzo create a warm, comforting fall dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Turkey Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Pumpkin Orzo

07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1 small onion, diced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 cup pumpkin puree
11 - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
12 - 1 cup orzo pasta
13 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, gently mix ground turkey, sage, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined.
02 - Form mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, yielding approximately 16 pieces.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
05 - Stir in pumpkin puree and broth until combined.
06 - Add orzo pasta, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until orzo is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed, about 8 to 10 minutes.
07 - Return meatballs to skillet, cover, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
08 - Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
09 - Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional sage or Parmesan.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Cozy fall flavors combining sage and pumpkin
  • One-pot meal perfect for easy cleanup
02 -
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with almond flour for gluten-free option
  • Meatballs freeze well if cooked separately
03 -
  • For extra creaminess stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream with the Parmesan
  • Use fresh sage for best flavor impact
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